24&#34; Center Hand Hold Block

ABSTRACT

A multi-use component of a masonry wall (CMU) that works in place of, or with, standard 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ wide×16″long block which allows for increased daily production. The composite block includes a pair of opposed and parallel masonry faceshell transversed with 3 webs creating two equal cells and two half cells, (FIG.  2 ) Cell alignment matches existing standard CMU configurations. The face shell and truss-web members have configured elements that integrate with the concrete mass thru mortar providing a permanent amalgamated bond. Portions of the cell alignment allow for continuous reinforcement with steel and grout. The assembled multi-component composite block wall is structurally stable, durable and thermally efficient.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Background

The present invention related to construction materials, and more particularly to the way concrete masonry walls are constructed.

2. Description of the Background

Typically concrete wall structures are fabricated using “Concrete Masonry Units” (CM's) or otherwise referred to as Concrete Blocks. They are placed in courses atop a foundation and connected from one to another by mortar. Typically concrete block include a front and rear face shell with three spaced webs connecting the front and rear face shell. The webs define two equally sized cells which are used to reinforce the wall structure with steel and a concrete mixture, grout. (FIG. 1)

Building a concrete block wall is a time consuming procedure that is best undertaken by a trained skilled Mason. The availability of a skilled mason applying mortar with a trowel becomes the limiting factor in how fast a masonry wall can be constructed.

After the foundation has been set, it is up to the mason to arrange the CMU's in a level and plumb manner. This process of construction is both complex and time consuming because the Mason uses mortar to position as well as bond the block to one another. Accuracy in positioning must be checked constantly leading to increased time.

After the primary base course is in the proper position and it has been properly leveled and plumbed, each proceeding course is laid up in a running bond manner (FIG. 5) to afford maximum strength to the constructed wall. Close attention by the mason must be used to maintain the cell alignment so as the proper reinforcing steel and grouting can be continuous from the bottom course to the top course.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Shows the relationship between the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block and Standard CMU—Block. L-1 indicates the length of the Standard CMU while L-1.5 indicates 1½ times the length of the Standard CMU. H-1 indicates the equal height of both units. W-1 indicates the width of both units in the 8″ configuration. For clarity purposes the dimensional width of the 8″ call size 7⅝″ actual size is referred to in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7.

W-1 in the 6″ call size configuration equals 5⅝″ actual size

W-1 in the 10″ call size configuration equals 9⅝″ actual size

W-1 in the 12″ call size configuration equals 11⅝″ actual size

FIG. 2 Shows the Top View of the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block with the actual dimensions of a 8″×8″×24″ block.

-   -   Note: Actual overall Length, Height, Width of blocks are ⅜″ less         than call size to allow for the thickness of mortar joints.

FIG. 3 Shows the Side View of the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block w/Dimensions and a detail of the Center Hand Hold labeled Detail A.

FIG. 4 Shows how the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block would be placed around rebar,

FIG. 5 Shows how a typical running bond would be placed with the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block and maintained by splitting the block equally into two parts.

FIG. 6 Shows the Top View of the 24″ Center Hand Hold block in a split-able configuration with dimensions. The splitable configuration is produced typically 1 out of every 2 or 3 times a CMU is produced depending manufacturing equipment. It allows for encapsulating the rebar while maintaining a running bond.

FIG. 7 Shows a cross sectional view of the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block (Split able ked Detail B. This Detail would apply to all W-1 width sizes. 

1. A masonry (CMU) 24″ block component that when used in place of a standard (CMU) 16″ long block will allow the mason to complete a larger wall area with little or no extra effort.
 2. The 24″ Center Hand Hold Block eliminates the need to apply mortar to one less end joint than standard laid in place 16″ CMU's.
 3. The center hand hold, placed at the center point of the unit gives an equal weight distribution so as to allow ease of handling.
 4. The cell alignment will match existing existing standard 16″ long CMU configurations, regardless of width, so as not to interfere with the steel reinforcement or grouting.
 5. This exact length configuration could be applied to any standard 6″, 8″, 10″ and 12″ width. (FIG. 1) L1 vs L 1.5
 6. The 24″ Center Hand Hold Block allows for ease of placing around rebar by eliminating the lifting process of Standard CMU's over said reinforcing. (FIG. 4)
 7. As with all Standard Block configurations the 24″ Center Hand Hold Block will also be produced as a split able (FIG. 6) to help maintain the integrity of the cell as well as maintaining the typical running bond (FIG. 5) of the wall. 